OK that is true. So essentially the Spurs are in the same boat whether RJ opts in or out.

In other words, RJ leaving does NOT create more cap space. You simply lost a pretty good player without getting any players back.

But the Spurs have always been cheap. They have always tried to remain under the luxury tax penalty. They were planning on signing Tiago this summer with the MLE anyways and now this will prevent them from having to fork over any money to the league due to tax penalties.

I don't think this necessarily is good for them, however knowing the history of their owner it probably is best for them that Richard opted out. I'm sure they are going to try to trade away Tony Parker away this season, so perhaps they can get a replacement somehow.